Missoula Wayfinding Project

What is Wayfinding?

Wayfinding is a system of signage and information to guide people to their destinations, whether in a car, on a bike, or walking. Wayfinding systems provide directional guidance through a carefully planned sequence that delivers information to users at key decision points in their journey.

Background

The Missoula wayfinding project began in 2011 as part of a committee discussing opportunities for branding Missoula and implementing a community wayfinding system. As part of that work, a survey of 25 agencies and organizations was conducted and found 100% support for wayfinding, but only 50% support for branding Missoula.

Destination Missoula then led an effort to hire a consultant (MERJE Design) to design and plan a comprehensive wayfinding system, with the guidance of a
broad-based steering committee. The planning process was funded through multiple partners and was completed in November of 2014.

Phase I of the wayfinding project was completed in October 2016. The phase included 35 pedestrian wayfinding signs and two interpretive panels that were installed in Downtown and the Hip Strip areas.

Next StepsPhase II, which is scheduled for installation in the spring/summer of 2018, will include city-wide vehicle wayfinding signage, parking signage Downtown, “district” identification signage, and “Welcome to Missoula” gateway monuments at the primary entrances to the City.

The project is funded through multiple partners, including the City of Missoula, Missoula Redevelopment Agency, The Chamber of Commerce, the Parking Commission, the Missoula Downtown Association, and the Downtown Business Improvement District.